Solar panel

Abstract

A solar panel including a flexible polymeric support element and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the support element. At least some of the photovoltaic cells are spaced apart such that the flexible support element provides a hinge between the spaced apart photovoltaic cells. A plurality of bypass diodes are connected in parallel with the cells, so that if one of the cells ceases to operate, electrical current generated by the other cells is able to bypass the inoperative cell.

1 . A solar panel including a flexible polymeric support element and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the support element, wherein at least some of the photovoltaic cells are spaced apart and wherein the flexible support element provides a hinge between the spaced apart photovoltaic cells. 
     
     
         2 . The solar panel according to  claim 1 , including a plurality of parallel hinges. 
     
     
         3 . The solar panel according to  claim 1 , including a two-dimensional array of photovoltaic cells arranged in parallel rows, with flexible hinges between at least some of the rows. 
     
     
         4 . The solar panel according to  claim 3 , wherein each row of cells includes a substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The solar panel according to  claim 4 , wherein the substrate carries electrical connector elements for the cells. 
     
     
         6 . The solar panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the cells are of a mono- or poly-crystalline type. 
     
     
         7 . The solar panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric support element is made of PET. 
     
     
         8 . The solar panel according to  claim 1 , wherein the photovoltaic cells are embedded in the polymeric support element. 
     
     
         9 . A solar panel including a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series and a plurality of bypass diodes connected in parallel with the series-connected cells, whereby in the event that one or more of the photovoltaic cells ceases to operate, electrical current generated by operation of the other photovoltaic cells is able to bypass the inoperative cells through one or more of the bypass diodes. 
     
     
         10 . The solar panel according to  claim 9 , wherein the bypass diodes are provided externally of the photovoltaic cells. 
     
     
         11 . The solar panel according to  claim 9 , wherein the cells are mounted on a substrate and the bypass diodes are embedded in the substrate. 
     
     
         12 . The solar panel according to  claim 11 , wherein the substrate carries electrical connector elements for the cells. 
     
     
         13 . A solar panel including a flexible polymeric support element and a plurality of photovoltaic cells supported by the support element, wherein at least some of the photovoltaic cells are spaced apart and the flexible support element provides a hinge between the spaced apart photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic cells are connected in series and a plurality of bypass diodes are connected in parallel with the photovoltaic cells, whereby in the event that one or more of the photovoltaic cells ceases to operate, electrical current generated by operation of the other photovoltaic cells is able to bypass the inoperative cells through one or more of the bypass diodes. 
     
     
         14 . The solar panel according to  claim 13 , wherein the bypass diodes are provided externally of the photovoltaic cells. 
     
     
         15 . The solar panel according to  claim 13 , wherein each row of cells includes a substrate and wherein the bypass diodes are embedded in the substrate. 
     
     
         16 . The solar panel according to  claim 15 , wherein the substrate carries electrical connector elements for the cells. 
     
     
         17 . The solar panel according to  claim 13 , including a plurality of parallel hinges. 
     
     
         18 . The solar panel according to  claim 13 , including a two-dimensional array of photovoltaic cells arranged in parallel rows, with flexible hinges between at least some of the rows. 
     
     
         19 . The solar panel according to  claim 18 , wherein each row of cells includes a substrate. 
     
     
         20 . The solar panel according to  claim 19 , wherein the substrate carries electrical connector elements for the cells. 
     
     
         21 . A solar panel according to  claim 13 , in which the cells are of a mono- or poly-crystalline type. 
     
     
         22 . The solar panel according to  claim 13 , wherein the polymeric support element is made of PET. 
     
     
         23 . The solar panel according to  claim 13 , wherein the photovoltaic cells are embedded in the polymeric support element.